Dear FVS Community:

I write to share a few updates regarding COVID-19 and its impact on the School as this global situation continues to unfold. This message contains updates about
  • steps we are taking on campus to help ensure the health and well-being of our community
  • information about Interim refunds
  • plans to support and engage students who are with us for spring break. 

Moving forward, please expect to receive 1-2 updates per week. This is an unpredictable situation that changes almost hourly and our goal is not to empower alarmism, but rather to offer timely transparency and foster an environment of informed, open communication. 

As of today, COVID-19 is present throughout Colorado with one case in El Paso County which encompasses Colorado Springs. While numbers in other Colorado counties are climbing, El Paso remains stable at one case, which is encouraging. However, we know that the trend will continue upward, so our administrative team is meeting daily to review new information and adjust our response as needed. 

We are also in close contact with El Paso County Public Health and taking guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, the State Department, the Association of Colorado Independent Schools, and the National Association of Independent Schools. In addition, through our professional networks, we have the benefit of insight from colleagues at other independent schools, colleges, and organizations that are working to mitigate risk to their communities. 

Campus Cleaning
Out of an abundance of caution, our facilities team is engaged in a deep clean of campus following institutional protocols informed by best practices from the CDC and others. Moving forward, we will continue with enhanced cleaning practices with a focus on disinfecting surfaces in common areas. Signage will also be installed with reminders about the importance of heightened personal hygiene. 

Access to Campus and Travel
In an effort to minimize the risk of community spread of COVID-19 onto our campus, we have suspended deliveries from restaurants and students may only leave campus using school transportation, which is readily accessible and disinfected daily. In addition, we have implemented a campus visitor screening protocol to help ensure that anyone coming onto campus is healthy and has not recently been in areas known to be COVID-19 hot spots. We have also suspended the use of our facilities by outside organizations until further notice. Last, the School has stopped all non-essential travel by employees and we are carefully vetting requests for any off-campus travel by student groups to minimize potential exposure. 

Interim Refunds
The School continues to work diligently to recoup money that has been paid for Interim trips. Our persistence is resulting in progress and we greatly appreciate your patience. We will be following up as soon as we are able with more information about trip refunds. 

Returning to Campus
In the coming weeks, the School will be reaching out to collect detailed information about travel history for all community members who have been away from campus. In addition, we will be asking for information about any potential secondary exposure to individuals who may have traveled to areas where there is community spread of COVID-19. I cannot stress enough the importance of being honest, transparent, and detailed with this information and I thank you in advance for your cooperation. 

The school is also working to establish thorough but fair screening protocols and potential quarantine requirements for those returning to campus. Further details will be communicated closer to the end of spring break. Please know that those who may have been at risk of exposure to COVID-19 during spring break may be asked to isolate themselves until they have satisfied Health Department and CDC requirements for quarantine. At this point, we have determined that anyone who has traveled to a country with a level 2 or 3 travel advisory may not return to campus until they have completed the above outlined requirements for quarantine. 

Staycation Fun on Campus
The Deans’ Office, together with our faculty and staff, has curated an engaging “staycation” for students who will remain on campus during Interim week as well as spring break. Please tune into our social media channels for glimpses through the coming weeks. Any students whose spring break plans have changed and who need to stay on campus should contact the Deans’ Office as soon as possible at deansoffice@fvs.edu .
 
Gratitude and Continued Partnership 
Fountain Valley’s greatest asset is the strength of our community. We are grateful for your partnership and understanding as we work through these quickly changing and uncertain times. I remain confident that, together, we will navigate this situation and emerge stronger and more closely tied as a community. In the meantime, thank you again for your partnership and support, please know it is greatly appreciated.  
 
Take good care and be well,
 
William Webb
Head of School
 
Fountain Valley School of Colorado
6155 Fountain Valley School Road 
Colorado Springs, CO 80911